About Us

TRAVEL & WINES

Our Story

Surrounded by the beautiful Cedar River, our 117 acres of wooded forest provides a natural habitat for a large variety of wildlife. These surroundings provide for an excellent backdrop for any event, retreat, camp or getaway of your choosing. Whether it’s the beauty of a Cedar River sunset, the peacefulness of an early morning hike, the coolness of an afternoon swim, the awe of a cloudless, starry sky, or the love of friends and family, Cedar Springs has a lot to offer.

Who We Are

Cedar Springs Camp is owned and operated by the Iowa/Minnesota District of the Wesleyan Church. We are a non-profit organization created to operate a Christian Campground located in north central Iowa. A member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association, we are here to serve our communities and their neighbors.

Our facilities

Our facilities are well equipped to serve the needs of organizations seeking a Christ-centered atmosphere. We have many types of groups that visit us. These include church camps and retreats, denominational conferences, family reunions, weddings and non-profit group retreats and seminars.

Core Values

What We Believe

Wesleyans believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Savior of all who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe that those who are made new in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit. We believe in the Bible and its sufficiency to establish our faith and conduct. We believe God wills for people everywhere to know Him and be made new in Christ. We believe that the purpose of the Church is to worship God in spirit and in truth, and to reach a lost and fallen world with the gospel of Jesus Christ through its worship, witness, and loving deeds.

Vision Statement

Creating an environment for people to experience God.
(Luke 5: 15-16)

Mission Statement

Create an environment for people to experience God within the beauty of His creation. We accomplish this by providing modern, comfortable housing, fun and engaging activities, and exceptional proactive service with a Christ-like servant heart.
(John 13:12-14; Mark 10:45; Colossians 3:17)

Core Values

We trust in God’s provision to accomplish our mission.

(Matthew 6:25-34)

We are exceptional stewards of God’s creation.

(Genesis 1:28; 2:15)

We are careful stewards of the resources God has provided us for the ministry.

(Matt. 25:14-30)

We subscribe to the Truth of God’s Word, and it’s application to our daily living.

(2 Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21)

We strive to build up the individual believer to better serve the local church.

(Hebrews 10:24-25; Eph. 4:29; Colossians 3:16)

We love people as Jesus loved them.

(John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; Romans 5:8)

We are ministry driven to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ.

(1 Cor. 9:19-23)

We develop and disciple staff to grow in their relationships with God and others.

(Ephesians 4:11-16)

We conduct our business and all relationships with integrity and excellence.

(Prov. 10:23; Colossians 1:10; 3:17; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Luke 12:42-46)

We strive to be good neighbors that work to serve the local community.

(1 Thess. 5:15; Mark 10:42-45)

We place a priority on the physical and emotional safety of our guests and staff.

(John 10:7-18)

We believe striving for excellence honors God and inspires people.

(Colossians 3:23; 1 Cor. 9:24-27)

Articles of Religion

Since 1968

History

Cedar Springs has been serving God's children since 1968

Cedar Springs Camp, formerly known as the Wesleyan Methodist Camp, was started in 1922 and was originally located in Dundee, Iowa prior to being moved to Charles City, Iowa. On May 15th, 1968, a tornado of major size cut a swath from 1 1/2 to five blocks wide, and 20 blocks long through the heart of Charles City. There was very little left of the camp.

In June of that year the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged with the Pilgrim Holiness church and formed what is now known as the Wesleyan Church. In October 1968, Dr. & Mrs. R.A. Fox sold a 72 acre tract of wooded property to the camp. District Superintendent Rev. Donald D Calhoun announced that the old property in Charles City would be sold and this new property would be purchased.

"Belly Acres" as the property was known became our new home and in July 1970 was inhabited by over 200 children during three 2 day youth camps. In August of that year the first Family Camp was help with approximately 1,000 people in attendance. At that time, the area became known as "Cedar Springs Camp".

Since that time, many additional buildings have been built, many hours of manual labor have been put in and many lives have been changed. We continue to build, expand, and improve the camp. Most importantly, we continue to focus on the experience one has when they come to enjoy the camp. Our vision for Cedar Springs is: To create an environment for people to experience God. We look forward to many more years of service to the Kingdom and our great God.

Our Team

Mark Jenkins

- Executive Director

Mark Jenkins was ordained in the Wesleyan Church and has been in ministry since 1996. In November of 2010, after working in the local church as youth leader, assistant pastor and lead pastor, he moved to Floyd to lead the ministry at Cedar Springs. He has been married to his “partner in ministry,” Theresa, for 34 years and they have 4 children. Mark's passion is to see people grow in their walk with Christ: “My desire is for people to go beyond the average person’s faith and experience a personal relationship with the Risen Christ.”

Sarah Jenkins

- Guest Services

Sarah grew up coming to camp as a young child, then in her teens moved on to the campground when her parents took over as managers.

In May 2021 Sarah graduated from Emmaus Bible College with a double degree in camping ministry and youth ministry. She spent her senior year in the LTD Program at Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center in Wisconsin.

Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a natural passion for camping ministry to her work. You can't miss her welcoming smile when you arrive.